A pet allergy doesn’t have to stop you from having a pet. Here’s how.
Pet allergies can be miserable, but some pet allergies can be life-threatening. If you are someone who has non-life-threatening pet allergies, but you have a beloved pet, you don’t have to choose between your health and a wonderful companion. There are strategies to overcome a pet allergy.
Ways to Manage a Pet Allergy
Antihistamine Medication
If you are able, you could make do with over-the-counter allergy medicine. Antihistamine pills could be the answer to everyday living with your pet, whether you take them daily, weekly, or at another interval.
Cleaning Your Home Regularly
It is best to limit your exposure to the allergen, even if you take allergy medication. The allergen is most often the dead skin cells that shed off your dog or cat, not the hair itself. Dander is the usual culprit. Therefore, vacuuming, wiping, and dusting your home weekly, if not daily, can be a game-changer for reducing dander in your home.
Pet Grooming with Special Shampoo and Diet
You can also reduce pet dander at the source. There are safe shampoos for dogs and cats that reduce dander. If you would like recommended brands, please contact your vet. You can also feed your pet a diet with omega-3 fatty acids or an alternative for healthy, supple skin.
Preserving a Pet-Free Room
Yet another way to keep your home as dander-free as possible is to make one room in your home off-limits to your pet. With a clean home, you will limit the amount of pet hair or dander you bring into it from your clothing.
Using Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can also help to remove dander and other debris from the air, creating better indoor air quality for all. Pet-safe plants that naturally purify the air can also be beneficial for your home.
Immunotherapy for Pet Allergies
The main treatment for pet allergies would be immunotherapy, in which a specialist would prescribe and administer small doses of the allergen, usually through a shot, so that your immune system can build immunity to it slowly.
Researching Your Pet Options
If you don’t have a pet yet, you may be able to discover which pet breeds you are more or less allergic to. For example, some dog breeds might give you a worse reaction, while “hypoallergenic” dogs, which also have dander, might not result in any itchy eyes or sneezing. If you can, spend time with different pet breeds to see how you react before making a decision.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!